Try This Stretch to Keep Hips Flexible

Karen VoightSpecial to Tribune Newspapers

Active people's hips tend to be tight. Perform this stretch on a regular basis and you'll keep those strong gluteal muscles flexible.

1Sit in a cross-legged position on the floor. Inhale and sit up tall. Hold your right ankle in the palms of both hands above your left knee. Relax the right buttock muscle, and allow your right thigh and knee to drop toward the ground. Hold for 3 to 6 breaths.

2Move into a deeper stretch by grasping your hands together under your right leg and cradling your ankle and knee in your arms. Be sure that you sit up tall. Do not round or hunch your back. Concentrate on relaxing the right buttock muscle as you bring your leg closer to your chest. Hold this position and breathe for 20 to 30 seconds. Lower your leg, and repeat on the other side.